Louis Saha: Coventry City look ‘almost unstoppable’ as Premier League return looms

Former Manchester United, Fulham and Everton striker Louis Saha believes Coventry City look destined for the Premier League.

Saha has been impressed by the Sky Blues’ relentless form under Frank Lampard, with Coventry sitting 10 points clear at the top of the Championship and boasting a healthy goal difference.

A 4-2 victory over promotion rivals Middlesbrough on Tuesday night firmly cemented their status as the favourites to go up as champions this season to secure Premier League football for the first time since 2001.

Speaking exclusively to www.punditarena.com, Saha says Lampard has finally found the right environment to flourish as a manager.

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Confidence

“I think Frank needed time and experience to build his confidence as a manager,” he said.

“He’s had a few spells with different teams, he’s now settled on the approach he wants – he knows his preferred tactics and style of play.

 “He has come to a club at the right moment with the right players, in the right stages of their career.

“It’s a great opportunity for them all to come together and find the right formula.

 “You can tell it’s an exceptional team and time because they’re scoring so many goals and creating so many chances.

“They’re almost unstoppable, and it’s not just down to one or two individuals. Frank, and his players, have done a great job so far.”

Recover

Saha also offered his view on Leicester City and Southampton, who have found life tough since dropping out of the Premier League last season.

The two sides faced off on Tuesday, with the Saints coming out on top to seal a fourth straight win under interim boss Tonda Eckert — signs of a promotion push quietly taking shape at St Mary’s — while the Foxes slipped below them on goal difference.

“You know how tough the Championship is,” the 47-year-old explained. “Why do you think Leicester and Southampton are struggling so much after being relegated?

“It’s always hard for the teams dropping back down from the Premier League. Newly promoted sides have to contend with games against teams like Liverpool and Manchester City.

“You might do OK against Sunderland and Brighton, but then you come up against the ‘Big Six’ and it’s really tough.

“Promotion is great, of course, but you have to stabilise your side and improve it, and then survive. It’s extremely hard.

“You can have a good month, but then lose against a smaller side and you end up treading water.

“I think for Southampton and Leicester, they found out just how hard it is in the Premier League and they’re yet to really recover.”

Intimidating

Saha says the Premier League would also feel the impact if Millwall complete their promotion push.

“They’re a big club,” he added. “I remember Tim Cahill played there, my old Everton teammate.

“I know the ground, the New Den is very vocal, the fans try to be intimidating. Games can be very tough there, and if they go up into the Premier League, it’ll be a big deal.

“I think Millwall fans will be absolutely bouncing if they go up. It would be an interesting experience for the big sides to go there, that’s for sure.”

Full comments from Louis Saha’s interview are available at www.punditarena.com.

READ MORE: Middlesbrough 2-4 Coventry City: Late goals fire Sky Blues 10 points clear at the top